Kia recalls 295,000 vehicles for engine fire risks

WASHINGTON — Kia said on Saturday it is recalling 295,000 U.S. cars for engine hearth challenges.

The Korean automaker said the recall addresses some 2012-2013 product 12 months Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage cars since an engine compartment hearth can arise while driving.

Dealers will inspect the engine compartment for gasoline or oil leaks, accomplish an engine take a look at and make any repairs including engine alternative, as vital. Kia said it is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection Technique software package update.

Past 7 days, Kia and affiliate Hyundai agreed to a file $210 million civil penalty right after U.S. car safety regulators said they unsuccessful to recall one.six million cars for engine troubles in a well timed trend.

The Korean automakers agreed to consent orders right after the U.S. Nationwide Freeway Website traffic Security Administration (NHTSA) said the automakers inaccurately reported some data to the company about the recollects.

Kia’s civil penalty totaled $70 million, including an upfront payment of $27 million, needs to expend $sixteen million on specified safety measures, and a likely $27 million deferred penalty.

The settlement addresses recollects in 2015 and 2017 for production troubles that could lead to bearing have on and engine failure.

In the new Kia engine recall, NHTSA opened an investigation in 2019 into non-crash fires in Kia and Hyundai cars. The company in July suggested Kia perform recollects on sure designs with a greater hearth grievance rate, the automaker said.

Kia said “primarily based on NHTSA’s advice” it experienced designed the “conclusion to recall sure Kia cars as a preventative measure to mitigate any likely hearth danger.”

Hyundai on Friday recalled 129,000 U.S. cars since connecting rod bearings may have on prematurely, which over time can consequence in engine destruction and maximize hearth challenges.